Wolves continue as a problem and threat in Idaho

JLH News ^ | 28 September 2011 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

JLH NEWS
By: Jeff Head
Emmett, ID
September 28, 2011

This just in regarding the wolves here in Idaho. As many may know, the wolves were forced upon Idaho by the Federal government several years ago. They were not native, Rocky Mountian wolves. They brought in large timber wolves from Canada, starting in Yellowstone and then spreading into Idaho and surrounding states.

Well, over the years their numbers, and their negative impact have grown so much that the state sued to take them off the endangered species list and allow them to be hunted. It took a while, but the facts were inescapable and the courts ultimately ruled to allow it.

Elk and deer populations have been significantly negatively impacted, cattle and sheep herds have been attacked, hunting dogs have been killed, and people have even been attacked. Many people, including many environmentalists will try and tell you that wolves will not attack people...that it is very rare. Well, here's a quote from a local outfitter, and a bow hunter that say differently which I received today, September 28, 2011.

From the outfitter:

"Took a group of out-of-state elk archery hunters from the Great Lakes region last week. They ended up calling in a pack of 17 wolves by elk cow calling. None of the hunters had a sidearm or wolf tag and it was a very traumatic experience. The wolves surrounded us. All of those hunters went home early, very disturbed claiming that these wolves are very different from the Great Lakes wolves. These Idaho wolves actually “hunt” you, and were not afraid! "

Now from an Idaho bow hunter:

"This wolf came running toward Rene last night to attack her. She had to drop her bow & pull her pistol. She shot it in the head about 10 feet from her. She had to shoot it a couple more times to actually kill it. Crazy! This – not even a week after Shane’s dogs were killed by wolves."

Here's the picture of the wolf in question and the woman who shot it with her handgun.

Click on the pic for a higher res version.

Bow hunters (or anyone else) out there, make sure you carry a good handgun (preferably a .44 mag or .357 mag) when you are out in the foothills or backcountry and be careful!

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AMERICA AT THE CROSSROADS OF HISTORY

AMERICA AWAKES IN 2009 AND DRIVES IT HOME IN 2010

RESTORE THE CONSTITUTION

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[Jeff Head]

The Endangered Species Act, like it was used in Klamath, OR in 2001, like is being used in California now in the San Joaquin, is being used to radically and negatively impact American productivity, and endanger American citizens all over this country. This is another example of its impact, even though we here in Idaho have gotten these wolves removed, and can now hunt them...we are still dealing with the impact.

[davisfh]

Whatever happened to “shoot, shovel and shut-up?”

[Jeff Head]

FYI.

[Jeff Chandler]

At least they're not badgers.

[Jeff Head]

That still occurs...but for the wolves, we now have an official hunting season for them too. If one attacks you, or your life stock, you are free to shoot it dead. They are not on the endanged list in Idaho any longer.

[T-Bird45]

My God, that thing is huge. Your advice on carrying when afield is solid advice but I’d question whether the game wardens would agree during archery season. Here in OK, having a firearm with you during archery hunting is not allowed. Of course, we don’t have the predators on the food chain above us that you do in ID.

[Tucker822]

Ping to you...,

Evidently, there are BIG wolves in Idaho. Be sure to tell hubby that. ;)

[ColdOne]

I live in Idaho County. Wolves have eaten pets in the next town. I saw one a couple of years ago. Made the hair stand on the back of my head. It was huge, had no fear.

In June one was in front of our place chasing a deer. I saw it. I still wonder it seemed small for a wolf. Yet others were with me on the neighbors porch when in ran down the hillside.

[VeniVidiVici]

That looks to be a .44 she has. For some reason it looks bigger than a .44 (460 or 500) but I don’t think either of those has a barrel like that where it is not a full lug (is that correct terminology)?

But that wolf looks huge.

[Jeff Head]

Well, I know you cannot carry a long rifle when archery hunting (which I believe is rediculous...if I violate and hunt with it, that's one thing. Just having it should not violate the law) but I believe a handgun is alright. This lady was glad she had hers that is for sure.

If not, then the other old addage comes into play:

"I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six."

[driftdiver]

If I’m surrounded by a pack of wolves the lack of a tag is not going to stop me from protecting myself.

That thing is huge!

[Jeff Head]

Fish and Wildlife guy I know shot another huge one in the foothills above Boise a couple of years back. Very large like this one. In the fothills between horseshoe bend and eagle, south of crown point somewhere.

I'll try and find that pic and post it.

[driftdiver]

Heck I’d rather be given lethal injection than eaten alive by a wolf.

[Jeff Head]

Agreed...but that group had no firearms...just their bows. A good bow will help, but 17 wolves are going to get to some of those folks if it got serious. As it was for that group, the wolves did not attack...unlike the story with the woman.

[G Larry]

Looks like my S&W Model 686 (.357 w 4” barrel).

[Grampa Dave]

My first quick glance at the dead wolf was, “Damn, that was a big wild/feral boar!”

Then, I realized that it was a wolf.

I told you about a younger relative who was harrassed by a large California Black Bear a couple of years ago. He was Bow Hunting for deer and due to California’s screwed up laws re no hand guns while bow hunting, he and his unstrung bow could have been a disaster.

We had a discussion about how I had rather be tried by 12 of my peers versus buried by 6 friendsserving as pall bearers in situations like this.

[Jack Hydrazine]

What kind of pistol did she use to take it down with?

[Jeff Head]

Yes, sir, Dave...and amen to that. Again,

"I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six."

[Myrddin]

bump

[driftdiver]

I think we should feed the enviro-whacko’s to the wolves.